Floor five counselor profiles

Story by Liz Rentfro

For the citizens of floor five, Girls State would not be the same if Carol Nienhueser, Haley King and Skylar Peterson were not their counselors. Although the three ladies have different backgrounds and leadership styles, they apply their strengths to the town of Harrison in a positive way.

Haley King, the Middle Counselor on floor five, attendance at Girls State in 2012 affected her in a very positive way. She now considers herself more outgoing and is more apt to try new things than prior to Girls State. King became a counselor because she loves teaching and wanted to see what the other side of Girls State looked like. King's advice to the current delegates includes having a positive attitude, going with the flow and listening to the rules.

Fifth floor’s Junior Counselor, Skylar Peterson went to Girls State in 2013. Peterson said that Girls State was one of the reasons she got into college, and she would not be the same without this experience. Since Girls State she has been volunteering as much as possible and giving back to her community in every way that she can. Peterson became a counselor because she had a great time her year and wanted to come back and help out. Peterson’s advice for this year’s citizens is to have fun and learn something new every day.  

Unlike fifth floor’s other two counselors, Carol Nienhueser, the Senior Counselor, did not attend Girls State. Nienhueser attributes her daughter for helping her to become a Girls State Counselor. Nienhueser liked it so much she decided to keep doing it. This is Nienhueser’s second year as a counselor. Nienhueser’s advice to the citizens is to step outside of their comfort zone, and do not be afraid to try something new because they will never know where it could take them.